In an opulent and star studded evening of events, The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences honored 4 legends in entertainment at the 13th Governors Awards. Academy President Janet Yang led the presentation with an explanation of the Award experience and noted that this years selection was seemingly without contest. “The meetings where we decide on the recipients of the Governors Awards often run on for many hours and in gender heated discussion.” said Yang. “This year not so much! When the names of the four individuals who are being honored were raised, there was an immediate swell of recognition of their merits.”
The recipients of the Honorary Award were Euzhan Palcy (A Dry White Season), Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future), Diane Warren (Unbreak My Heart, If I Could Turn Back Time) and Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society).
Set in an intimate ballroom in Beverly Hills, the Governors Awards room was filled with notable members and creatives to include Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer, Jordan Peele, Michelle Yeoh, Tom Hanks, Gabrielle Union, Janelle Monáe, Woody Harrelson, Jonathan Majors, Danielle Deadwyler, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ava DuVernay, Debbie Allen and Jeremy Pope.
In a beautifully crafted and hilarious monologue, Mindy Kaling led us into the awards ceremony.
Euzhan Palcy
“As a black woman artist, I feel like I’m always defending my womanhood and blackness,” said Viola Davis. “You did not defend your blackness. You did not defend you womanhood. You used it as warrior fuel.”
In a powerful speech by Davis, Palcy was introduced ahead of her video package which highlighted achievements to include being the first black female director to have a film produced by a major Hollywood studio. Her film, A Dry White Season, starring Donald Sutherland and Marlon Brando is set in South African in 1976 with a focus on apartheid. Palcy is credited by many black filmmakers including Ava DuVernay and Gina Prince-Bythewood as having inspired their journeys.
Palcy made it clear she has no plans to stop making movies any time soon. “With my camera I don’t shoot. I heal.” said Palcy while accepting her honor.
Michael J. Fox
Michal J. Fox was introduced by a hilarious and moving Woodie Harrleson whose expressions of love to his friend left the room emotional. The Artist, Friend and Activist was honored for his contributions from film to philanthropy.
Fox took the stage and spoke about the journey of his career. Moving to the US from Canada after dropping out of High School to pursue his dreams and landing the role of a lifetime in Back to the Future. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at 29, Fox has spent his time raising money and awareness in an effort to cure the disease.
“I’m grateful to them and to you. Because my optimism is fueled by my gratitude. And with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.” said Fox. “I definitely can’t walk and carry this thing, so I ask that Tracy once again carry the weight.”
Diane Warren
Diane Warren, who has written some of the greatest song of our time, was brought to the stage by Cher. “One of my fondest memories was when she followed me into an Al-Anon meeting to play me a song.” said Cher. “All she cares is if I liked it.”
With the room uplifted in laughter we watched a package highlighting the span of Warren’s work. Known for always working, Warren is revered by her peers and has been nominated for 13 Oscars in the past for her musical contributions to film. Throughout her speech, Warren referenced her parents who have since passed on. Her father pushing her to be great and her mother for her to be practical. She relished in sharing this moment with them.
“I’ve waited 34 years to say this.” said Warren. “I’d like to thank The Academy.”
Peter Weir
Jeff Bridges, in an opening about his on set experience during the taping of Fearless, introduced Weir for his honor. Highlighting works from Dead Poets Society to The Truman Show, the Australian born film maker was recognized for his body work.
A truly magical evening in a room shared by Oscar winners, Oscar hopefuls, members, friends and family of 4 individuals who have left a lasting mark on the film industry through their incredible works.
